Therapeutic potential of polyphenolic enriched extract of Aesculus indica for attenuation of liver fibrosis through pectin/acrylic acid based slow-release formulation

Liver fibrosis puts a substantial burden on health care systems due to its poor progression and limited treatment options. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of a polyphenolic-enriched extract of Aesculus indica by loading it into a slow releasing pectin and polyacrylic acid (PPAA) hydrogel. Firstly, the A. indica leaves extract (AILE) was prepared and its total phenolics, flavonoids, saponins and tannins were determined. The results showed the ample presence of these molecules. Then PPAA hydrogel was prepared by free radical polymerization followed by determination of its porosity and swelling properties to assess its suitability for slow-release formulations. The porosity results showed the porous nature of PPAA hydrogel, and the swelling behavior at pH 7.4 was significantly higher making PPAA hydrogel suitable for drug delivery applications. The polyphenolic enriched AILE was loaded on PPAA hydrogel matrix. The extract loading efficiency was about 82.5 %. A slow-release assay depicted controlled and prolonged release of the polyphenols for about 5 days. The prepared formulation was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The SEM results demonstrated a highly porous structure of the polyphenolic enriched PPAA hydrogel. The FTIR studies showed the presence of A. indica phytochemicals. The TGA examination of PPAA hydrogel showed its stability over 450 °C. The extract loaded PPAA hydrogel exhibited significant antibacterial properties against Gram-positive and negative bacteria. The study on rats showed that AILE loaded PPAA hydrogel significantly decreased liver fibrosis. The post-treatment evaluation of the liver function of the treated animals with AILE loaded PPAA hydrogel confirmed alleviation of liver fibrosis. Histopathological examination of the treated animals showed the protective effect of the hydrogel. The results indicated that the AILE loaded PPAA hydrogel may be a promising treatment for hepatic fibrosis based on the potential antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound healing effects.